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Meat Processor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats

Meat Processor

Holstein, IA · On-site

Meat Processor / Meat Cutter / Meat Packager Tiefenthaler Quality Meats is seeking a self-starting, career minded individual for a full time meat processor/meat cutter/meat packager. We are a small ...

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats

Meat Processor

Holstein, IA · On-site

Meat Processor / Meat Cutter / Meat Packager Tiefenthaler Quality Meats is seeking a self-starting, career minded individual for a full time meat processor/meat cutter/meat packager. We are a small ...

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Meat Clerk

Davenport, IA

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Preferred 1 -2 years grocery retail experience in Meat department processes and procedures. Previous experience in a natural foods industry is a plus. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Must maintain ...

Quillins

Meat Cutter

Waukon, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... processes and customer service. * Meets the physical requirement to perform the job functions ... Previous experience with Meat Department operations * Familiarity with products carried in the Meat ...

Fresh Thyme

Meat Clerk

Davenport, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Education and Experience • High school diploma or equivalency degree. • Preferred 1 -2 years grocery retail experience in Meat department processes and procedures. • Previous experience in a ...

Quillin's

Meat Cutter

Waukon, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... processes and customer service. * Meets the physical requirement to perform the job functions ... Previous experience with Meat Department operations * Familiarity with products carried in the Meat ...

Quillins

Meat Manager

West Union, IA · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Follows approved Meat department plans for effective space management based on product movement ... processes and customer service * Enforces general housekeeping and regular sanitation and cleaning ...

Quillin's

Meat Manager

IA · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Follows approved Meat department plans for effective space management based on product movement ... processes and customer service * Enforces general housekeeping and regular sanitation and cleaning ...

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All JobsMeat Processor JobsMeat Processor Jobs in Iowa

Meat Processor information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$17

$23

How much do meat processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processor in Iowa is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat Processor, you need knowledge of meat cutting techniques, food safety standards, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing machinery, cutting tools, and adherence to USDA or HACCP guidelines is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and teamwork are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure product quality, workplace safety, and efficient operations in a fast-paced food production environment.

What is a meat processor?

A meat processor prepares meat for packaging. As a meat processor, your duties revolve around cleaning, grinding, and packaging meat. You are also responsible for sorting meat and labeling packages. To perform this job, you do not need formal education, but you must complete on-the-job training. You can find these positions at grocery stores, meat packing plants, and animal slaughterhouses. Meat processors usually stand for long periods using heavy equipment, so you must have excellent physical stamina to complete your job safely. Similar job titles include meat production worker and meat packer.

What are some common challenges faced by meat processors, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Meat processors often face challenges such as working in cold environments, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and performing repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. Addressing these challenges involves wearing appropriate protective clothing, adhering to sanitation protocols, and utilizing ergonomic equipment to reduce strain. Teamwork and good communication with supervisors are also essential to ensure safety and efficiency, as well as to quickly address any issues that arise during production.

How much do meat processors make?

Meat processors typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $16, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $35,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and whether the worker is certified to operate specific equipment or handle specialized tasks.

What is the difference between Meat Processor vs Butcher?

AspectMeat ProcessorButcher
CertificationsFood safety, HACCPNone required, but some may have food handling
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, industrial settingsRetail stores, butcher shops, markets
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, food manufacturingButcher shops, grocery stores, restaurants
Job FocusProcessing, cutting, packaging meat in bulkCustom cutting, customer service, retail sales

While both roles involve working with meat, a Meat Processor primarily focuses on bulk processing, cutting, and packaging in industrial settings, often requiring food safety certifications. A Butcher typically works in retail environments, preparing meat for customers and providing personalized service. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and career goals.

More about Meat Processor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in Iowa? For Meat Processor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in IA? For Meat Processor jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Meat Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Processor job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $35,643 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Meat Processor

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats

Holstein, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Help wanted in our growing Specialty Meat Store.

Monday through Friday during the week which also includes working every otherSaturday mornings from 8 am to Noon.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST FILL OUT JOB APPLICATION ATTQMEATS.COMTO BE CONSIDERED.

Meat Processor / Meat Cutter / Meat Packager

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats is seeking a self-starting, career minded individual for a full time meat processor/meat cutter/meat packager. We are a small family owned and operated meat processing facility located in Holstein, Iowa providing the northwest Iowa area with custom processing services as well as top quality specialty meats. Tiefenthaler Quality Meats has over 170 different meat products that we sell to consumers in our own specialty meat retail store. Tiefenthalers also service over 60 local grocery stores with some of our products. Tiefenthaler Quality Meats strives to give every customer more than they expect and seek to continually improve all aspects of our business.

Only applicants that have filled out the full online application located on our website will be reviewed and considered.

All individuals must be punctual, self-motivated, service oriented, and enjoy working with others.

Successful applicants will perform (but not limited to) the following tasks.

Cut & packagemeatfor the retail store and customer requests
Cut Individual Customer Orders for Whole, side, quarters of beef, hogs, sheep, goats, deer, etc.
Help retail customers with orders (making retail cuts and wrapping to order)
Keeping retail and HACCP records / working with State of Iowa Inspectors
Keep product labels updated and within compliance
Master the art of sausage and jerky making among other products
Some maintenance and/or cleaning duties required for daily operations
Load out customers meat purchased or custom processed
Work in coolers and freezers
Clean & Sanitize all equipment and processing rooms at the end of the working day/shift
Heavy lifting of 60 lb. meat lugs
All other duties necessary to business operations not listed here.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully subscribe to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants and/or Employees are considered for hire, promotion and job status, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability.

Benefits:

Tiefenthaler Quality Meats offers a comprehensive benefit package to full time employees. Benefits begin after the 90 day introductory period ends and include:

Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
Company Match Simple IRA plan to 3%
Paid Time Off accruing after 90 day introductory period ends
Retail store discounts for meat products